Burton admitted Flores helps her decorate for special occasions and may have bought a gift or two when those special occasions have crept up on Burton.

Burton also praised Flores for her independence at such a young age, owning her own car, paying for her cellphone and owning her own home in the Centre Park Historic District with her boyfriend of four years, Mark Detterline.

Flores credits guidance from her mother, Annamarie Ortiz-Flores, for helping her stay on track at school and in life, and avoiding becoming another negative stereotype of a young Latina in Reading.

"My mom had me when she was 18 and she pushed me and wanted me to be educated," Flores said. "She was strict but I think that helped me."

Flores also said her younger siblings, twins Amaya and Anissa, 12, and her brother, Joshua, 19, inspire her to be independent and high-achieving.

"It can be stressful at times," Flores said. "But I have two little sisters and a brother; I'm trying to be a model for them to stay in school."

Berks County Detective Ivan R. Martinez walked into the restaurant shortly before closing at 2 p.m., carrying a bag of fresh bagels for the staff.

Beyond being a regular customer of Flores, Martinez has also become a friend.

Martinez joked with Flores, saying he even attended her last graduation party.

Seeing a young Latina from the city making her way in academia and staying focused on advancing herself is inspiring, Martinez said.

"Her story is one that tells (that) life is defined by the goals you set," Martinez said. "And she is pursuing hers."